In an effort to help save independent cinemas, the organization Save America's Small Town Cinemas held a contest promising $50,000 to help a few theaters make the "digital transition."

Nearly 60 cinemas entered the contest, and Endicott's Cinema Saver, the biggest discount cinema in the area, got the very first draw.

When the owner found out she had won, she said she was overcome with relief and excitement.

"Basically we're just so excited," said Amber Earle. "We took it as a really good sign that we are definitely staying in business. This is definitely going to be successful for us and we are excited about going digital."

The money will be used to update one of their five theaters.

Earle will be taking out a loan to update the rest.

She said she will be organizing fundraisers to help pay the way. Fundraisers such as clothing drives and their local campaign, "dollars for digital," through their website.